RSO student in clinic giving an exam

Why Optometry

Great rewards come with preserving the gift of health and good eyesight. Doctors of Optometry provide early, sometimes life-saving diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries and disorders of the visual system, and identify related systemic conditions affecting the eye.

Learn More About Optometry »

RSO faculty aiding students

Gain Early Clinical Experience

Clinical experience begins with first year observations and extends to patient screenings in year two. Your clinical rotations begin in the summer (first semester) of the third year with direct supervised clinical experiences (examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients) at the UIW Eye Institute (UIWEI) and the Bowden Eye Care and Health Center.

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RSO student examining patient's eyes

NBEO Success

Students are prepared with a strong academic and clinical experience which supports student success.

Graduation and Licensing Examination Rates »

School of Optometry by the Numbers

1 The only optometry school affiliated with a faith-based institution
203.5 Cumulative hours to Doctor of Optometry degree
36% Enrolled students in the O.D. program that are underrepresented minorities within Optometry
$1.8m Annual uncompensated care provided by UIW clinics
68 Average incoming class size

Rosenberg School of Optometry Mission

The mission of the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry is to educate and prepare future leaders in optometry through excellence in education, patient care, and vision research.

Our complete Mission and Vision

News and Events

Reflection Monday, March 9, 2026

03/09/2026

In moments when the world trembles under the weight of war, the University of the Incarnate Word cannot remain indifferent. Our mission has always been more than the pursuit of knowledge; it is the pursuit of truth, justice, and the dignity of every human person.

Prayer Reflection

03/03/2026

In today’s readings, the prophet Isaiah calls on the people to wash themselves clean of misdeeds, cease doing evil, and turn to doing good.

Reflection January 6, 2026

01/06/2026

According to Christian theology, God created the world and entrusted it to us as a gift that we are responsible for protecting.

Reflection December 1, 2025 - Advent Message

12/01/2025

One of my favorite images regarding the spirit of Advent is “standing on tiptoe.” I got this image while reading Sr. Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB’s book, Seasons of Your Heart. “In spite of all the brokenness of our lives, we are still standing on tiptoe,” Sr. Macrina writes, “waiting for the glorious freedom promised us as children of God. This confident waiting is called hope, and our lives are empty without it.”

UIW Athletes Help Maintain Solar House

10/31/2025

On Friday, Sept. 19, UIW hosted the 20th annual Meet the Mission, sponsored by Mission and Ministry. Students, faculty, staff and more participated in a variety of service activities both on and off campus, hoping to serve both UIW and the greater San Antonio community. One of these service activities included the repainting of UIW’s LEED Platinum Solar House.

The UIW Program's Lasting Impact

04/21/2025

Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) football program is a place that many from all over have come to call home.

Incarnate Word Week - UIW Core Values

03/11/2025

UIW's core values center on education, truth, faith, service, and innovation. They emphasize ethical leadership, lifelong learning, community engagement, and a commitment to addressing global needs through a values-based education.

Reflection

03/10/2025

Tell me, how are we supposed to be the “Pilgrims of Hope” Pope Francis asks us to be when every headline in today’s news is worse than they were yesterday?

Reflection Lent March 3, 2025

03/03/2025

As Christian-Catholics, we all know the basics of Lent, expressly, Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Thursday.

UIW Hosts Annual First-Gen Celebration

11/08/2024

In 2017, the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the Center for First-Generation Student Success launched the inaugural First-Generation College Celebration. Since then, colleges and universities across the country have been invited to participate in celebrating the achievements of first-generation college students, highlighting their resilience, dedication, and impact on higher education.

Dinner with the Sisters of Charity

09/24/2024

"While a UIW student, I had the opportunity to attend monthly dinners with the Sisters, generations after this initial call. These were moments to share a meal while conversing with the Sisters about their lives and vocations."

A Message from Fr. Benny

08/26/2024

College life can be thrilling, offering new freedoms and opportunities. Yet, it also comes with challenges and responsibilities. Balancing studies, social life, and personal time can be demanding, and the pressures can sometimes feel overwhelming..

UIW’s Newly Confirmed Students

08/24/2024

Most of us are used to individuals and families entering the Church and receiving their Sacraments in the parish. It was my junior year in college when I learned this occurs at Catholic colleges as well when my best friend expressed a desire to be Baptized into the Church. For a whole year, as her sponsor, we met with other students with the same desire, and I witnessed her reception into the Church at the Easter Vigil that year.

A letter from Sr. Walter

08/01/2024

Christian hope does not deceive or disappoint because it is grounded in the certainty that nothing and no one may ever separate us from God's love (Rom 8:35.37-39).

UIW Community Mourns the Passing of Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery

07/30/2024

It is with deep sadness that the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) shares the news of the passing of former UIW President Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery, CCVI. Sr. Margaret Patrice passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. She was a member of the founding congregation of the University, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and she served as president of UIW from 1972 to 1985.

Pentecost Message

05/17/2024

God is love (1 Jn. 4:7-21) and God decided to give us the gift of God's love—the gift of God self—three times over: first in God's creation of us; then in God's redemption of us through the Incarnation of His Beloved Son; and finally, in God's recreation of us through the workings of God's own Spirit in the church.

UIW Psychology Dept. Presents at Regional Conference

04/12/2024

The entirety of UIW’s Psychology Department recently presented at the conference of the Southwestern Psychological Association (SWPA), the official American Psychological Association (APA) affiliate for the Southwestern region of the United States. SWPA contributes to APA’s mission to promote the advancement, communication and application of psychological science and knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

Celebrating Black History Month

02/02/2024

The UIW community is proud to celebrate Black History Month with a series of events featuring students, faculty and community members. With an emphasis on recognizing history, cultures, legacies and the continuous impact Black individuals have across the nation, hosts and participants will recall their experiences and reflect on Black history and the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.

U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains Makes Historic Visit to UIW

02/02/2024

On Feb. 3, 1943, the U.S. Army Transport Dorchester traveling from New York to Greenland was torpedoed by a German U-boat in the Labrador Sea. The steamship was carrying 904 service members, including four U.S. Army Chaplains. In the time immediately following the blast, the four chaplains of various faith backgrounds worked to get others to safety, offered calming words and helped organize evacuations into lifeboats. When it became clear that there were not enough life jackets for those onboard, the four chaplains removed theirs, gave them to others, then linked arms and prayed together as the ship sank. Since then, Feb. 3 has been known as Four Chaplains Day and serves as an annual reminder of the work and sacrifice of those called to share God’s message or offer spiritual support in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Weather Notice

01/13/2024

An Arctic Cold Front arrives tonight bringing with it a rapid drop in temperatures. The front will arrive this evening (north areas) and push through the region overnight tonight. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6pm Sunday to 12pm Monday for all but the Rio Grande Plains for the possibility of ice accumulations up to 1/10”.

Inspired by Family, Driven by the Mission

12/15/2023

Growing up, Cynthia Escamilla spent many days sitting in the backseat of her parents’ car as the family drove to the Incarnate Word campus. Her father, then a student at St. Mary’s University, attended religion and science classes at Incarnate Word, and Escamilla often came along for the drive to campus. Today, her work as the Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for the University she grew up visiting, has earned her the honor of being named one of the city’s top attorneys by San Antonio Magazine.

SACHS Students Earn Almost $2 Million in Scholarships to UIW

11/16/2023

San Antonio – November 16, 2023 - St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) is proud to announce that 27 graduating seniors earned $1,975,000 in scholarships to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) during the University’s “On-the-Spot” admission event held on October 25. The event offers students the opportunity to apply for and be admitted to UIW while also learning about the many scholarships offered to them.

St. Anthony set to Kickoff Fall 2024 Enrollment with Open House

10/09/2023

San Antonio – October 9, 2023 – St. Anthony Catholic High School (SACHS) is set to kickoff its 2024-25 enrollment drive with an open house on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the historical high school located at 3200 McCullough Avenue. The open house is a chance for prospective students and parents to tour the school, meet the teachers and administrators and find out more about the outstanding education and opportunities available at St. Anthony. This includes the Brainpower Connection which is a collection of K-12 schools who partner with the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) to create a pathway to a college education.

UIW Volunteers Help to Create Early Holiday Season Magic at Light the Way Volunteer Days

09/29/2023

It is the fall semester at UIW which means that the campus preparations for the 37th Light the Way Holiday Festival, presented by H-E-B are in full swing! This past week the University hosted the Volunteer Days at the Broadway campus where students, faculty, staff and alumni gathered to do the traditional maintenance on the strands of lights that adorn the trees on campus.

Welcoming Week Kick-Off: Recognizing and Embracing the Diversity of UIW and San Antonio

09/15/2023

The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) strives to embrace and promote diversity every day. From students, educators, administrators, alumni, etc., the entire University is constituted by individuals of diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique stories that all contribute to the collective story of UIW. Recognizing this fact, and in fulfillment of the University’s Mission, the UIW Liza and Jack Lewis Center of the Americas works year-round to promote better relations and understanding among the people of the Americas.

UIW to Welcome Visiting Scholar from Korea

09/01/2023

UIW Professor of Political Science Dr. Scott Dittloff shared this message ahead of the arrival of a visiting scholar coming to UIW from South Korea. The Department of Political Science, UIW International Relations and UIW International Affairs will welcome Mr. Chang Sup Lee to San Antonio and the University community this September.

UIW Welcomes New Dean of the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions

05/03/2023

The University of the Incarnate Word is proud to announce that Danuta M. Wojnar, PhD, RN, MN, MED, IBCLC, FAAN will be joining UIW as the next Dean of the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions. Dr. Wojnar brings a wealth of leadership experience that aligns with the university Mission and values and she will begin her new role on August 1, 2023.

UIW Professor Discusses Medical Tourism and Pet Medical Tourism

04/20/2023

UIW’s Dr. David Vequist, professor of Management in the H-E-B School of Business and Health Professions and director of the UIW Center for Medical Tourism Research, is a nationally known expert in medical tourism. He has been featured in USA Today, The New York Times and more. Recently, we caught up with him to discuss the latest phenomenon in medical tourism - pet medical tourism.

Announcing Conversations with Ambassador Creagan

02/10/2023

The Lewis Center of the Americas and the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at UIW are pleased to announce the launch of Conversations with Ambassador Creagan. The first conversation of the series will take place at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, in the Mabee Library Special Collections Room.

UIW Receives Grant to Boost Entrepreneurship Efforts

02/09/2023

UIW is proud to announce that Dr. Teresa Harrison has received a grant for her proposal “Impact Across Campus and Beyond: Curriculum Development of an Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor and Certificate Program” from the non-profit VentureWell. The $29,980 grant will be used to enhance the efforts being made at The Beckendorf Family Center for Innovation and Global Entrepreneurship.

Sharing Local Art

01/27/2023

It was three years in the making. Local artist Elizabeth Rodriguez’s "Las Mera Meras" painting was part of her exhibit originally scheduled to be on display at the UIW Kelso Art Center’s Semmes and Condos Galleries in Spring 2020. Now, the UIW and San Antonio communities can see her work Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. until Feb. 10. Admission to the Semmes and Condos Galleries is free.

Founding Congregation Supports UIW GEMS Program

01/13/2023

In 1881, three women founded a school in San Antonio that provided an opportunity for young women in the area to get an education. These founders, the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI), created a legacy and have continued to impact the community and the world for more than 150 years.

UIW Ethics Bowl Team Qualifies for National Competition

12/06/2022

The University of the Incarnate Word Ethics Bowl team finished in fourth place out of 16 teams in the Texas Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl, a regional competition of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE). Their win in the competition qualified them to compete in the APPE’s national tournament at its annual conference this spring.

UIW Holds Annual Holiday Tree Lighting for Student Body

11/18/2022

The 2nd annual Holiday Tree Lighting hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Campus Activities Board (CAB) took place on Nov. 16 in the SEC Ballroom. As the SGA Chief of Staff, not only is this one of my favorite University events of the year, but being able to plan the event was even more fulfilling.

UIWtv Earns Esteemed Awards in Eight Categories

11/17/2022

After receiving a record-breaking 15 nominations for the Lone Star EMMY Chapter Student Production Awards, UIWtv celebrated accolades in eight categories. The nominations covered a wide range of categories including Best Newscast, Best Talent and Best Short Film.

Employees Support Students through Annual Employee Campaign

09/23/2022

The University of the Incarnate Word kicked off its annual Employee Campaign on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The campaign provides an opportunity for the UIW community to show support of its students with gifts to scholarships and programs.

Moment of Reflection: Reflections of a Servant Leader

08/15/2022

As a child, you never realize how important being safe and loved by your parents and family shapes your outlook on life and the choices you make in your vocation. I was blessed to have grown up with loving parents, seven brothers and one sister, and many extended family members including both my paternal grandmother, Petra Cordoba-Aranda, and my maternal grandmother, Barbarita Gonzalez-Ramos, both of whom were born in Mexico.

Local Educators Discuss the Role of ‘Race in Education’ at UIW Black History Month Event

02/25/2022

Dr. Doshie Piper, associate professor of Criminal Justice at the University of the Incarnate Word and co-chair of the UIW Black History Month committee, hosted an event titled “Race in Education” on Monday, Feb. 21. The Zoom discussion featured a panel of three local educators: Bishop Trevor Alexander, UIW instructor/Protestant Chaplain, Dr. Brandi Coleman, induction coordinator in the Dreeben School of Education, and Akeem Brown, founder, CEO and president of Essence Prep SA.

Daily Reflection - Wednesday, Dec. 15

12/15/2021

There is perhaps nothing we modern people need more than to be genuinely shaken up. Where life is firm we need to sense its firmness; and where it is unstable and uncertain and has no basis, no foundation, we need to know this too and endure it.

UIW Alumnus Presents to UN

12/03/2021

Eduardo Bravo, a 2014 graduate from the H-E-B School of Business and Administration and the co-founder/CFO of Irys, participated in the Tech For Our Planet event as part of the UN’s Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) event in Glasgow, Scotland, in November.

Oportunidades de la educación en línea en América Latina

06/10/2021

La tecnología educativa es una herramienta que se ha vuelto indispensable durante los últimos dos años. Hoy, la educación en línea ofrece a los estudiantes la oportunidad de ampliar sus conocimientos, habilidades y experiencias profesionales bajo perspectivas internacionales.

09/10/2020

Optometry Admissions Prep Program (OPT APP)

The OPT APP virtual series offers unique opportunities to gain valuable insight into the admissions and enrollment process. All virtual sessions will be led by experienced admissions administrators. Sessions are offered on every other Wednesday throughout the Fall term.

Optometry Admissions Prep Program (OPT APP)

See Past Events

Take a Virtual Tour of the Rosenberg School of Optometry

Ready to explore without leaving home? Take an interactive tour of UIW's Rosenberg School of Optometry campus online!

Take the Tour

Contact the Rosenberg School of Optometry

Mailing Address: 4301 Broadway, CPO 17, San Antonio, TX 78209
Address: 9725 Datapoint Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229
Phone: (210) 883-1190
Email: optometry@uiwtx.edu

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"We evaluate, treat, and educate patients on their ocular needs versus their want. It’s no longer just about glasses and contact lenses, it’s about healthier communities.”

Dr. Jose Correa ’13 OD

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